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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Earlier this month we wrapped up 2014 with our final BBQ trip of the year at the Pensacola Eggfest, where we were invited as Guest Judges. I don't think we could have ended the year on a more positive note.

This Eggfest is sponsored by Kia Autosport of Pensacola and the proceeds go to Chain Reaction, a civic organization who's mission is to develop teenagers' leadership, character, and skills through volunteerism. I can't say enough about the people we met that were a part of this amazing organization. Their enthusiasm, spirit, and sense of civic pride was obvious in this event.

When is a better time to throw a BBQ event in sunny Florida than in November when gloomy grey skies and the first ice storms are crawling across the country?

Sign reads: "No Beach Setup - walk thru only. Enforced" I do not think that word means what you think it means...

We stayed on the Old River side of Perdido Key.

The event was held at the absolutely gorgeous Pensacola Bayfront
Stadium - an amazing venue. The cook teams were stationed around the wide
walkway that wraps around most of the stadium. It was an ideal set up
for crowd flow.

I was super excited to have my sister, Rhonda (left), attend with us. She's been an Egghead for a couple of years but this was her first Eggfest.

Moe Cason (BBQ Pitmasters, Ponderosa BBQ) gave a brisket class before the event.

While I had Ivan distracted, my sister tried to "run off" with one of the trophies for this year's Smokin' on the Square.

I finally got to meet one of my online colleagues - Big Green Craig. In addition to judging the event together, we also had a fun time together at dinner that night with our families.

Demonstration cooks spending the last hour getting set up and food cooked before the crowds showed up.

One of the Green Eggs and Bam! team members checking their Jamaican Jerk Pork loin.

It smelled delicious and I was suddenly ready to eat.

Hot Spots getting a head start on their ribeye with crab remoulade.

It gets a bit nerve racking getting the last things done when you know the crowds are at the gate and just minutes away from serving time.

Big Green Egg's everywhere!

Loved this apron.

Teams take great pride in their tablescapes at Eggfests.

Part of the Green Eggs and Bam! display included little green men.

Hey Shane D! You said we needed an expert fruit carver for Memphis in May? Maybe we can kidnap this team's artist!

Then the gates opened and the crowds flowed into the stadium.

Eggs were busy keeping up with the demand.

The lines were long but moved swiftly so it wasn't bad.

Tasters lined up to taste Moe Betta's savory dry rub wings.

The teams did a fantastic job keeping the food coming.

Team HalleyBeary's pastrami crostini with pickled onions and mustard seeds was a big hit with the crowds.

The First City Church Team had a pork tenderloin with a crazy good red hot sauce.

This was also the first time Trevor actually attended a BBQ event with us, he always skips out.

It was a really good turn out for any Eggfest, let alone just a second year event like this one.

Southern Breeze BBQ Team slicing up their delicious tri-tip.

Lines even wrapped around the corner but they were quick.

Of course, like all Eggfests - a local dealer was onsite selling Eggs and Eggcessories. Plus - you could buy the demo eggs used only once for this event at steep discounts that you won't find anywhere else.

The teams kicked it into overdrive as the crowds persisted. [announcer voice: "Speaking of overdrive, check out the end of year specials at Kia Autosport - the title sponsor!" ha ha sorry, couldn't resist.]

I was so happy to see such a big turnout - 1300 in attendance. Each and every body through the gate is more money for Chain Reaction to follow their mission.

There was a lot of pressure on the teams but every one was all smiles!

The Pensacola Eggfest may only be in its second year but it is a hot, up and coming Eggfest. If you are an Egger, kamado owner, BBQ enthusiast, food festival freak, or just a local - you MUST put this event on your calendar for November 14, 2015! There are lots of good Eggfests but I believe the Pensacola Eggfest is primed to become a destination Eggfest drawing people from all over the country for many reasons. I think it will become one of THE Eggfests to attend.

Venue - a beautiful, waterfront location with a brand new stadium and all of the amenities that brings, such as, clean bathrooms (vs portapotties), ample parking, nice layout, PA system, and a jumbotron. The jumbotron featured onsite interviews with the teams, organizers, and guests and it made for a nice shared experience. That was very cool and something I haven't seen at any other event, even Memphis in May.

Worthy cause - from my brief experience, Chain Reaction is a fantastic organization full of positive, pay it forward types of people.

Sponsorship - it takes money and resources to make an event like this happen and Jerold Hall and the organizers have pulled in some of the best local corporate partners, such as, Kia Autosport, Cat Country 98.7, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, and more.

Location and timing - Like I said....it is held in sunny Florida in November when the rest of the country is just starting to get slammed with wet, icy, gloomy, cold weather. Perfect excuse to get away from early winter weather.

These Eggfests are not only the place to get the best possible deal on a Big Green Egg, they are also great for getting inspired grilling ideas. Some of my takeaways from this one that I will be making in the near future -

Bam! Sauce from Green Eggs and Bam! - it's like guacamole except it is spicy hot and in a sauce form. This will rock on fajita chicken and peppers on a corn tortilla.

First City Church's red hot sauce - It tasted reminiscent of Red Hots candy. It's a sauce made from hot pepper jelly, cinnamon, and maybe some chicken stock to thin it out but has a unique sweet heat flavor. I'm going to play with this one.

Congrats to Jerold Hall and the organizers for pulling off an impressive event. We are already looking forward to next year.

As fun and busy as this year has been for BBQ travel for us, I am glad that we are done for the year and can focus on family and the holidays.

5 comments:

Looks like a great time Chris and your timing was perfect to escape that terrible front that crippled a lot of the country. I love Florida in November, but this is the chilliest one I remember and we are quite a bit further south of Pensacola. But it sure beat being further north. Burr.Sam